Priests Here ‘n There

By Jerry Berger
Berger's Beat
September 11, 2012

http://bergersbeat.com/priests-here-n-there/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BergersBeat+%28Berger%27s+Beat%29

Is there a curse on St. Louis Catholic clerics who rise through the ranks and leave our town? Archbishop Justin Rigali is promoted in Philly and prosecutors there charge – and convict - a high ranking church official with endangering children. Auxiliary Bishop Edward Braxton moves up to oversee the Belleville Diocese and becomes a lightening rod for criticism (over abuse, spending and other issues). Fr. George Lucas was elevated to head the Springfield IL diocese, and clean up after his predecessor who was accused of sexual misdeeds. Fr. Michael Sheridan took over the reins of the Colorado Springs church and now faces tough questions about Fr. Charles Robert Manning’s presence – and alleged child sex crimes – out there. And last week, Fr. Robert Finn (now Kansas City’s bishop) – who hails from Overland and spent time in Shrewsbury, St. Charles, O’Fallon, and Washington MO - became the first US bishop to be found guilty of failing to notify authorities about suspected child porn taken by Fr. Shawn Rattigan. Note to local priests – maybe think twice when offered a chance to rise through the ranks and leave town! Ironically, an editorial in today’s National Catholic Reporter points out, if Finn tried to volunteer at a parish in his diocese now, official church policy says he should be turned away, because he can no longer pass the background check that’s required by the church’s abuse policy.)